US20050071498A1 - Wireless location based automated components - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for use in an automated environment including at least a first automated assembly including components that facilitate an automated process, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and a controller for controlling the assembly, the apparatus comprising a first component that is one of the plurality of components and that is linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the automated process, the first component including at least a first wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID and a processor receiving signals from the first receiver and running location determining software for determining the location of the at least one WID as a function of the signals received therefrom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
• Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The field of the invention is wireless location based systems in an automated industrial environment.
• This section of this document is intended to introduce various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention described and/or claimed below. This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
• An exemplary automated manufacturing assembly typically includes a set of mechanical and electrical components, a controller and an interface device (e.g., a human-machine interface (HMI)). The mechanical and electrical components are integrated together to perform an automated manufacturing process. The controller is linked to a sub-set of the components (e.g., sensors) for receiving information regarding progression of the process and to another sub-set of the components (e.g., motors, actuators, etc.) for controlling progression of the process. The interface is typically linked to the controller to facilitate at least one of altering the process (i.e., altering process parameters) or monitoring the process.
• While many different types of communication systems have been developed for linking the controller to the assembly components and to the interface, one particularly useful type of linkage is a network communication system, the Ethernet being an example. In the case of the Ethernet, for instance, an interface generates messages earmarked for the controller and transmits those messages onto the network. The controller listens on the network for messages earmarked for the controller and uses those messages to perform specific functions. Similarly, the controller earmarks specific messages for the interface and transmits those messages to the interface via the network.
• Recently wireless information systems have been developed that can, at least in part, provide machine and process visualization and information easily accessible from wireless mobile devices anywhere in a manufacturing facility, thereby providing increased functionality and information availability when and where required. Here, wireless data systems have been developed for facilitating wireless communication between servers and wireless portable devices such as laptop computers and hand held computing devices that can be used as interface devices. In addition to the wireless devices, an exemplary wireless data system includes a plurality of access points, a network (e.g., an Ethernet) and software running on a network server. Each access point generally includes a receiver and a transmitter for receiving information from and transmitting information to wireless devices, respectively. The access points are typically spaced apart at regular intervals within an area in which communication is to be facilitated and are linked to the network server via the network. Proximate access points are tuned to receive signals on different channels (e.g., at different frequencies). The wireless devices are programmed to determine the closest access point via signal strength of received data and associate with the closest perceived access point. The devices transmit information to and receive information from the network server via the access points. Hereinafter access points configured to receive and transmit data will be referred to as communication points.
• One particularly useful way to employ a wireless communication system is to provide location based information services. Here, for instance, when a wireless device is located in a specific location (e.g., proximate a specific automated assembly), information associated with that location (e.g., the automated assembly) may be automatically provided to the wireless device for perusal. As another instance, when a wireless device is located proximate a drill press assembly, information related to drill press operations or to facilitate control of the drill press (e.g., selectable control tool icons for controlling press operation) may be provided on a display screen for perusal or selection.
• To facilitate location based services, the wireless information industry has developed systems for determining wireless device location. For instance, in some cases, the system server applies an algorithm to signals received from a wireless device to determine device location. Various time of flight, signal strength, statistical and other types of algorithms are known in the art and therefore are not described here in detail. In each of these cases the access points are typically modified in some manner to, in addition to receiving and transmitting data, facilitate generation of data required to determine wireless device location within the communicating area. For instance, in the case of a signal strength algorithm, the additional data generated may include signal strength data indicating the strength of signals received by the access point. Access points modified to provide location information will be referred to hereinafter as location enabled points to distinguish those access points from the communication points that do not provide information useable by a server to determine location.
• While wireless location based information systems are useful and can support a whole host of valuable services, existing system architecture has several shortcomings. First, as indicated above, while at least some existing access points can be modified to render those points location enabled, the modification process is typically specific to each access point vendor and model and, in some cases, may be specific to software versions used on specific models making product deployment relatively expensive. Here, for instance, assuming fifty access point manufacturers where each manufacturer has just three different types of access points, rendering all different types of access points location enabled would require 150 different modification processes and more processes as the number of different access point types is increased over time.
• In addition, it is believed that certain existing communication points may not be modifiable to facilitate location enablement and therefore may have to be replaced altogether when location determining capabilities are required. While modifying existing systems may not appear too burdensome at first blush, in reality, the task is daunting given the fact that wireless system deployment has been rapid and many sites already include huge legacy infrastructures that would have to be modified or replaced to facilitate location based functionality.
• Second, often legacy communication access points are not optimally located to facilitate location determination. In this regard, for instance, in an automated facility, optimal location is often proximate an automated assembly (e.g., a machine line) so that relatively precise location with respect to the assembly can be identified. It is believed that this limitation on access point location (i.e., proximate assemblies) may be particularly important in the case of an automated facility that includes a large number of moving metallic components (e.g., presses, mills, transfer lines, etc.) that tend to reflect wireless signals thereby complicating the device locating task and algorithm. Not surprisingly, in many cases, legacy systems that include regularly spaced access points do not include an access point proximate each assembly in a facility.
• Third, often the optimal number of access points for a communication system (i.e., data transmission and reception) and the optimal number for a location enabled system are different. In this regard, as well known in the wireless computing industry, there is a limit on the number of access points that can be included within a given space and that limit is related to channel conflict problems. For example, with IEEE 802.11b, there can be only three non-overlapping channels. Thus, no more that three access points linked to the same network can have active signal coverage of a location within an area without causing conflict problems. Adding a fourth access point to a network that covers an area covered by three other network access points causes channel conflict and has been known to reduce data transmission reliability.
• It has also been recognized that location accuracy in a location enabled system is increased when the number of access points is increased (i.e., more points means more information for determining location). Thus, while a legacy wireless data system including a small number of access points may have a suitable access point arrangement to provide rough location information, in many applications such a rough location estimate is insufficient.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Certain aspects commensurate in scope with the originally claimed invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
• Hereinafter, unless indicated otherwise, a wireless computing or information device such as a palm computer, a laptop computer or other hand held computing devices will be referred to as a wireless information device (WID).
• It has been recognized that wireless receiver devices are inexpensive to manufacture and to integrate with other electronic components. In addition, it has been recognized that, in the case of an automated industrial facility, many automated assemblies include some type of component that is already linked to the controller that is provided to control the automated assembly. For instance, in many cases a human-machine interface (HMI) is provided to enable a facility engineer to access assembly operating characteristics and settings monitored by the controller and to enable the engineer to alter settings when appropriate. As another example many systems include proximity sensors for sensing work piece position at assembly stations and providing position information to the controller. Moreover, it has been recognized that where a receiver is integrated into an assembly component that already includes a link to the controller, the link can be used for double duty to both perform the normal functions of the link and to also perform the function of providing WID location information to the controller.
• Based on the above realizations, at least some embodiments of the invention include a system wherein a receiver is incorporated into an existing assembly component that performs a function that requires that the component be linked to an assembly controller so that the link can be used to facilitate the component function as well as to provide WID location information to the controller.
• It has furthermore been recognized that, where an assembly includes an HMI linked to the controller, the HMI is a particularly advantageous component in which to locate the receiver. To this end, the HMI is usually juxtaposed with respect to an associated assembly to enable optimal assembly observation generally. Thus, in many cases, rules may specify that a location proximate or in front of an HMI is where access and control should be enabled. In at least some embodiments the receivers are located within controller linked HMIs.
• One advantage of at least some embodiments of the invention is that, where additional receivers are required to facilitate sufficient location accuracy, the receivers can be located at optimal locations. More specifically, where receivers are integrated into HMIs, placement of the HMIs generally will ensure suitable if not optimal placement of the receivers.
• Another advantage of at least some embodiments of the invention is that receivers can be added to systems for increasing location accuracy as the systems are constructed and without requiring additional steps to add the additional functionality. In this regard, as new automated assemblies are added to a facility, instead of adding conventional access points to increase WID location accuracy, one or more components including embedded receivers can be added to each assembly and commissioning can be performed in controller programming.
• One additional advantage where receivers are embedded in existing assembly components is that existing access points that have been provided to facilitate communication with wireless devices needn't be altered in any way in order to enable location determination. To this end, in at least some embodiments it is contemplated that existing access points would operate in the same manner before and after embedded receivers are added to assembly components and all location determination would be based on signals obtained by the receivers and not on access point signals. Here, a company hired to render a facility location enabled would not have to worry about supporting all of the different types of access points on the market during commissioning and it is believed that overall commissioning costs would likely be reduced to the point of at least offset the costs associated with providing the embedded receivers.
• In some embodiments signals from communication access points may be used in conjunction with signals form embedded receivers to increase position accuracy or, in some cases, to provide a redundant system for collecting data. Here a subset of communication access points may be used to supplement embedded receivers where the number of embedded receivers within a specific region of a facility are insufficient for determining accuracy to a required degree. In other embodiments receivers that are not embedded in assembly components may be used to supplement embedded receivers where the number of embedded receivers within a specific region of a facility are insufficient for determining accuracy to a required degree.
• In some embodiments the embedded receivers may serve double duty and be programmed to cooperate with the communication access points to facilitate reception of data from WIDs as well as to receive signals useable to determine location.
• In some embodiments, instead of providing embedded receivers, embedded transponders (i.e., receiver/transmitter) may be included in a sub-set of the assembly components that are linked to the controller for some other purpose. In these cases, in addition to receiving signals from WIDs for determining location, the transponders can also be used to facilitate two way communication with WIDs.
• In some embodiments the location or positioning engine and associated processor that uses signals from the receivers to determine location may be remotely located from the receivers while in other cases the processor may be integrated into one of the components that includes a receiver. Thus, for instance, in some cases the processor including the positioning engine, the receiver and the automated assembly component may be integrated.
• In some cases components may include receiver ports for receiving signals from a wireless antenna where the antenna are configured to receive signals from a WID. Here, software may be included in the component to identify received WID signals and to process those signals in an appropriate manner to facilitate location determination. Here an add on antenna may be added to the component via a connecting cable or other type of link. In this case, an antenna may be added to an existing component and the antenna may be placed in a particularly advantageous position (e.g., at a relatively high location with relatively unobstructed lines of sight in many directions) for signal reception.
• These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary automated manufacturing facility including both communication access points and receiver equipped human/machine interfaces;
• FIG. 2ais a perspective view of an exemplary wireless information device usable within a facility configured according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2bis a schematic diagram illustrating various components of the wireless information device ofFIG. 2a;
• FIG. 3ais a perspective view of an exemplary human/machine interface including a transceiver according to certain aspects of the present invention;
• FIG. 3bis a schematic diagram illustrating various components of the human/machine interface ofFIG. 3a;
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary automated assembly including an HMI equipped to receive wireless information device signals;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a position sensor assembly including a wireless receiver;
• FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating one method according to the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a sub-method which may be added to the method ofFIG. 6 according to one aspect of the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an HMI and a separate wireless receiver assembly according to one aspect of the present invention; and
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the HMI and receiver assembly ofFIG. 8 installed on an exemplary automated assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
• Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring toFIG. 1, the present invention will be described in the context of an exemplary, albeit simplified,manufacturing facility10 that includes a rectilinear facility floor space orarea13 confined by four facility walls collectively identified bynumeral12. In theexemplary facility10,entire area13 comprises a single room (i.e., there are no wall partitions withinfacility10 and all of the facility resides on a single level). Adoorway16 is provided to allow access toarea14.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1,exemplary facility10 includes ten separate automated assemblies identified by labels M1 through M10. The exemplary automated assemblies M1 through M10 may include any type of manufacturing assembly such as a mill, a drill, a transfer line, a laser cutting device, a vision system, any of several different types of robots, clamps, etc., or any combination of cooperating components. The automated assemblies M1 through M10 are shown as being different sizes to visually illustrate that the automated assemblies may have different physical footprints. For example, assembly M4 is illustrated as having a much larger physical footprint than assembly M8. In general, automated assemblies M1-M10 are spaced out withinarea13 although, in some cases, automated assemblies may be positioned directly next to each other such as, for instance, assemblies M7 and M8.
• It is contemplated that each of automated assemblies M1-M10 includes at least one and, in many cases, a plurality of sensing devices (not illustrated) that sense assembly operating characteristics and provide signals that can be used to facilitate assembly monitoring via an interface (i.e., a WID). For instance, in the case of a drilling assembly, sensors may include limit switches that are tripped when a drill slide reaches various positions along a travel path, on/off switches, speed sensing switches, motor operating characteristic sensors, etc. It is also contemplated that most if not all of assemblies M1-M10 will include a plurality of actuators for causing the assembly components to perform assembly functions.
• In addition to including sensing devices and actuators, it is contemplated that most, if not all, of automated assemblies M1-M10 will include some type of control interface to facilitate control and control adjustment. For example, again, in the case of a drilling assembly, drill slide stroke length may be altered, drill speed may be altered, the angle at which a drill bit enters a work piece may be altered, etc. InFIG. 1 human-machine interfaces are referred to by labels I1 through I8 where HMIs are shown next to assemblies that the HMIs are associated with. For instance, HMI I1 is associated with assembly M1, HMI I2 is associated with assembly M2, and so on. Some of the interfaces are also labeled with numeral130 followed by a small case letter (e.g., a. b, etc.) to distinguish different instances of the interfaces. Specifically, HMIs11-14 are also labeled130a,103b,130cand130d,respectively.
• In addition to the components described above,facility10 also includes a plurality of communication access points11 (only two numbered), a network server/controller105, a plurality ofwireless receivers35a,35b,35cand35m,at least one wireless information device (WID)30 and a plurality of two-way data buses34a,34band34c(e.g., LAN, Ethernet, etc.) linked tocontroller105 that form a network.
• Controller105 may be positioned withinfacility10 or may be located at some remote location such as, for instance, in a separate building, in a separate room within the facility that includesarea13 or at a completely different location such as a remote campus associated withfacility10. InFIG. 1,controller105 is typically linked to at least some components in each of automated assemblies M1-M10 via two-way data bus34athat allowscontroller105 to monitor assembly operating characteristics as well as control assembly operation. For instance, in somecases controller105 may be linked via anEthernet connection34ato a proximity sensor that is part of assembly M1 and to an actuator that is part of assembly M3, and so on.
• Controller105 is typically a processor based workstation capable of running various types of computer programs. For instance, some programs are assembly control programs that enablecontroller105 to either separately control each assembly M1-M10 or, safely and precisely, sequence assembly operation thereby allowing relatively complex manufacturing processes to be performed in an efficient manner. In addition, other controller programs may allowcontroller105 to derive various assembly operating characteristics from monitored or sensed characteristics (e.g., motor voltage and current data is useful to derive stator and rotor resistance estimates, system inductances, identify harmonics, determine system torques, etc.) and to run complex algorithms to identify operating trends, alarm conditions, potentially hazardous conditions, maintenance requirements, raw material requirements and so on. Moreover,controller105 also runs programs that facilitate data management and warehousing so that subsequent algorithms may be applied to warehoused data to identify historical operating patterns for various purposes. Furthermore, when potentially hazardous conditions occur,controller105 may be programmed to cause the automated assemblies M1-M10 to assume non-hazardous operating conditions (e.g., a reduced set of operations or, in some cases, a state in which all mechanical components are parked).
• Controller105 may also run programs designed to facilitate interfacing with facility operators (e.g., maintenance personnel, process engineers, etc.) thereby providing control capabilities and system monitoring capabilities. To this end,controller105 may include its own input and output interfacing devices such as a display screen, a keyboard, a pointing and selecting device such as a mouse or trackball or any other types of interfacing devices known in the art.
• In the present example it is assumed that each of HMIs I1-I8 also facilitates interfacing with facility operators thereby providing at least some level of control and system monitoring. To this end, HMIs I1-I8 are linked tocontroller105 via network101 and adata bus34cso that monitored information can be shared therebetween and so that some level of proximate control can be accessed near at least a sub-set of the assemblies. Thus, for instance,controller105 may monitor all operating characteristics of assembly M1 and may publish data related thereto for access by HMI I1 so that interface I1 needn't separately monitor the same information. Similarly,controller105 may perform some information analysis and publish the results for use byinterface130a.In addition, because HMIs I1-I8 are linked tocontroller105 andcontroller105 controls assemblies M1-M10, each HMI I1-I8 can also be used to control an associated assembly viabus34c,controller105 andbus34a.While at least some HMIs may be linked directly to associated assemblies M1-M10 for monitoring and control purposes, hereinafter it will be assumed that each HMI I1-I8 accesses data and facilitates control viacontroller105.
• In addition to HMIs I1-I8, receivers35a-35mare also linked todata bus34c.Each receiver35a-35mis a wireless receiver and, in at least some embodiments, is incapable of wirelessly transmitting information. In some embodiments receivers35a-35msimply receive wireless information and provide that information to some other processor linked tobus34cor tocontroller105. In other embodiments receivers35a-35mdetermine a single characteristic of wirelessly received information and provide that characteristic value to other linked components. For instance, in some cases receivers35a-35mmay simply determine signal strength of received signals and provide that information onbus34calong with a tag indicating the receiver that generated the signal strength information.
• Referring still toFIG. 1, eachcommunication access point11 includes a two-way wireless transceiver that, as well known in the computer arts, is capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic (e.g., radio or infrared) signals within an area proximate the transceiver. Wireless transceivers like access points11 are well known in the industry and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, will not be described here in detail. For the purposes of the present invention, it should suffice to say that eachtransceiver11 transmits information signals which decrease in strength as distance from the transceiver increases. In the illustrated example, sixseparate access points11 are provided withinarea13 and are generally equi-spaced withinarea13. Typically,access points11 will be mounted on the ceiling within anarea13 to allow relatively unobstructed communication between anaccess point11 and other devices that communicate therewith. While access points11 are illustrated as being substantially equi-spaced withinarea13, it should be appreciated that other access point arrangements are contemplated and that, in many cases, other access point arrangements may be most suitable given specific assembly layouts, the physical characteristics of each assembly and assembly zone layouts (described below).
• Controller105 is linked to eachaccess point11 via two-way data bus34bthat allowscontroller105 to receive information from the access points11 and also allowscontroller105 to provide information to each of the access points11 for transmission withinarea13 to WIDs or the like withinarea13. Information transmitted from eachaccess point11 tocontroller105 is typically tagged by the access point so thatcontroller105 can determine whichaccess point11 provided the received information. This tagging may either be performed by theaccess point11 earmarking data packets with an access point identifier (e.g., an access point number) or, in the alternative, may be facilitated by simply providing separate hardwires from each of the access points11 to thecontroller105. In a similar fashion,controller105 andaccess points11 are configured such thatcontroller105 can address information to each separate andspecific access point11.
• Referring still toFIG. 1, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, sub-spaces withinarea13 are earmarked or identified as assembly zones or locations associated with each of the separate automated assemblies M1-M10 wherein, when a WID30 (i.e., a person carrying a WID) is within the zone, some process is performed. The exemplary different zones Z1 through Z10 inFIG. 1 are identified by hatched rectilinear blocks. For instance, a space identified by label Z1 includes a relatively small region adjacent one end of assembly M1 that is specifically associated with assembly M1, space Z1 referred to hereinafter as an assembly zone associated with assembly M1.
• Although not illustrated, in some cases, no assembly zones may be specified for one or more of the facility automated assemblies. Moreover, some zones that are associated with specific automated assemblies may not be immediately adjacent the associated automated assemblies but instead may be separated from the associated automated assemblies. Some zones may include all or a part of other zones and more than one zone may be associated with some of the assemblies.
• The present invention contemplates several different types of zones including, but not limited to, information access zones, assembly control zones, restricted safety zones, hysteretic zones, etc. Here, an access zone is a zone in which a facility employee may access information related to a specific assembly via a WID located within the zone. For instance, when an employee is within zone Z1, the employee may use a WID to access information related to operations of assembly M1, when in zone Z4, and employee may access information related to assembly M4 and so on.
• A control zone is a zone in which an employee is able to control an associated assembly. For instance, when an employee is within zone Z1, the employee may be able to control assembly M1 via a WID, when in zone Z5, an employee may be able to control assembly M5 via a WID, and so on.
• A restricted safety zone is a zone wherein, when a person is located within the zone, assembly operations may be restricted for safety purposes. For instance, when a person is within zone Z1, assembly M1 may be completely shut down or may be operated in some restricted fashion.
• A hysteretic zone is a zone typically associated with one of the other types of zones described above wherein, after being in one of the other zones, the access, control or restriction associated with the other zone is maintained until a WID is removed from the hysteretic zone. Thus, for instance, where a person was previously in zone Z1 and has therefore established access to information related to assembly M1, until the WID associated with the person is removed from a larger zone (not illustrated) than zone Z1, the access capabilities remain associated with the WID.
• In some cases a sub-set or even all of the zone types described above may be specified for each of the facility assemblies M1-M10. In addition, in some cases the zones and functionality associated with the zones may also be dependent on secondary criteria. For instance, access zone size and functions may be different for a maintenance engineer than for a facility manager. As another instance control zone size and functions may be different depending on time of day.
• Referring now toFIGS. 2aand2b,a first relatively simpleexemplary WID30 is illustrated.Exemplary WID30 includes, generally, a plurality of components that are mounted within a hardened plastic or metallic housing identified bynumeral32.WID30 components include aprocessor71, an input device (e.g., keyboard36), adisplay screen34, aspeaker51 for audio output, atransceiver38 and amemory69.Processor71 is linked to each of the input device,display screen34,speaker51,transceiver38 andmemory69 for communication therewith.Processor71 is equipped to run various programs for both displaying information viascreen34 and for receiving control signals and communicating those control signals to access points11 (see againFIG. 1) viatransceiver38.
• The input device may include any of several different types of input components including a typical push-button keyboard36,separate selection buttons40 and42, a rocker-type selection button44, and/or selectable icons that may be provided viadisplay screen34 such as, for instance,icons45. It is contemplated that, in at least one embodiment, a pointingcursor46 may be movable aboutscreen34 and placed over one of the selectable icons (e.g.,45) after which a conventional type mouse clicking action may be used to select one of the icons to cause some display or control function to occur. In other embodiments display34 may comprise a touch screen where icons are selectable via a stylus or the tip of an operators finger.
• Display screen34 may be any type of conventional display screen suitable for a handheld device and, for example, may be equipped to display numeric information, icons, graphs such asgraph47, bar charts, or any other type of monitoring and control information that may be associated with facility machines.Speaker51 is a conventional small audio output speaker which may be used for any purpose such as providing an audible indication when aWID30 is removed from a zone, providing operating characteristics in an audible manner, etc.
• Transceiver38 is mounted proximate the top end ofhousing32. As in the case of the transceivers that compriseaccess points11,transceiver38 is capable of transmitting electromagnetic signals and also receiving such signals so that information can be provided tocontroller105 or received fromcontroller105 via access points11.
• Memory69 stores the programs performed byprocessor71 and also, in at least some embodiments of the invention, stores a WID identifier (e.g., a WID number, a WID user identification number, etc.). It is contemplated that someWIDs30 may only be configured to provide access information and, in this case, the programs stored inmemory69 may only be access type programs. Where aWID30 is equipped with control capabilities, control programs are stored inmemory69.
• Referring once again toFIG. 1, herein it will be assumed that each of HMIs11-18 has a similar hardware configuration and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, onlyHMI11, also labeled130a,will be described here in detail. Nevertheless, it should be recognized that, in at least some cases, the HMIs provided within a facility will have different hardware configurations, the configuration characteristics, in general, depending upon the types of assemblies being monitored and controlled via the interface. In addition, it should be appreciated that, while many of the HMIs will have similar hardware configurations, in most cases, the software run by the HMIs will have differences, the differences depending on the types of assemblies being controlled and monitored via the specific HMI.
• Referring now toFIGS. 3aand3b,an exemplary HMI30aand its internal components are illustrated. Referring also toFIGS. 2aand2b,it should be appreciated thatexemplary HMI130ahas a hardware configuration that resembles theWID30 hardware configuration described above. Because of the similarity between many of the components in theHMI130aand theWID30, detailed descriptions of the similar components are not repeated here. In this regard, it should suffice to say here thatHMI130aincludes a rigid plastic ormetallic housing132 in which various components are mounted including aprocessor171, input devices including akey board136 and a rocker typecursor control button144, adisplay screen134, aspeaker151, atransceiver138 and amemory169, wherein theinput components136 and144,screen134,transceiver138,speaker151,memory169 andprocessor171 resemble similar components inWID30. In addition, on screen functionality such as on-screen cursorselectable icons145 and amovable cursor146 illustrated inFIG. 3aare similar to the on-screen functionality described above with respect toWID30.
• Importantly, referring again toFIGS. 3aand3b,HMI130aincludes a connector179 (eg: RJ-45 or other) allowing connection to a network link. As its label impliesconnector179 is linkable todata bus34cas best illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3bso thatHMI130acan communicate withcontroller105 to provide information there to and receive information therefrom.
• Referring still toFIG. 1, each of theother HMIs130b,130c,130n,etc., is also linked todata bus34cfor communicating withcontroller105. Moreover, each ofreceivers35a,35b,35m,etc., is linked todata bus34cto provide information tocontroller105. As indicated above, because each of the HMIs and receivers is linked todata bus34c,each of the HMIs is also linked to each of the other HMIs as well as to each of the receivers.
• Referring once again toFIG. 1 and also toFIG. 4, exemplary automated assembly M1 is illustrated which, in addition to including several different mechanical components for performing an automated function or functions, includes a plurality of actuators, two of which are collectively identified bynumeral150, a plurality of sensors, three of which are collectively identified bynumeral152 and a plurality of dedicated control panel buttons, two of which are collectively identified bynumeral156. Typically, each assembly M1-M10 will include at least one and, in some cases, several different flat surfaces proximate the assembly components that are suitable for mounting an HMI. In most cases, one surface will be particularly suitable for mounting an HMI because of its height (e.g., a height comfortable for most facility employees to use) and its relative juxtaposition with respect to the assembly components that perform the automated functions. An exemplary suitable mounting surface is identified inFIG. 4 bynumeral154.HMI130ais mounted to mountingsurface154 such that screen134 (see againFIG. 3a) is easily observable andinput devices136 and144 (see againFIG. 3a) are readily accessible. Prior to mountingHMI130ato surface154 or thereafter,connector179 is connected todata bus34c.
• Referring still toFIGS. 1 and 4, consistent with the comments above,actuators150 andsensors152 are linked tocontroller105 viadata bus34aand network101. Thus, to access information related tosensors152,interface130aaccesses, that information viadata bus34c,andcontroller105 wherecontroller105 obtains the information viabus34a.To control any ofactuators150,interface130aaffects control viadata bus34c,andcontroller105 wherein control commands are processed bycontroller105 and used to control theactuators150 viadata bus34a.Here it should be appreciated that the distinction betweennetwork buses34a-34cmay be a fiction in certain applications as all linkages to HMIs access points and other assembly components may be over a single network. The fiction of different network branches has been adopted here to clearly show that the interface system includes at least some receivers (e.g., receivers embedded in the HMIs) that are distinct from the access point transceivers.
• Referring once again toFIG. 1, according to at least some embodiments of the present invention,controller105 cooperates withaccess points11 to communicate withWID30 whenWID30 is withinspace13. In addition, in at least some embodiments of the invention, HMIs11-18, receivers35a-35mandcontroller105 cooperate to determineWID30 location withinspace13 and, more specifically, to determine whenWID30 is located within one of the assembly zones Z1-Z10 associated with assemblies M1-M10, respectively. Thus, in at least one embodiment of the invention, whenWID30 is turned on withinspace13,WID30 transmits signals of a known signal strength withinspace13. Referring also toFIGS. 3aand3b,each HMI11-18monitors space13 for transmitted WID signals. When a WID signal is received by an HMI (e.g.,11) the HMI determines signal strength of the received signal and provides signal strength information viabus34ctocontroller105.Controller105 uses the received signal strength data from the HMIs to generate a location estimate for the transmittingWID30. In at least some embodiment, WID location is determined by performing a statistical analysis on the received data.
• Once WID location has been estimated,controller105 then performs some function associated with WID location. For example, in some cases,controller105 may transmit assembly data via one of the access points11 to aproximate WID30 whenWID30 is within a zone associated with a specific assembly. More specifically, whenWID30 is in zone Z4,controller105 may transmit assembly information via one ofaccess points11 toWID30 corresponding to assembly M4. When data is received byWID30,WID30 may be programmed to automatically display the data in some intuitive fashion via screen34 (see againFIG. 2a). As another example, whenWID30 is within zone Z4,controller105 may transmit information via one ofaccess points11 toWID30 thereby causingWID30 to provide selectable control icons (e.g.,45 inFIG. 2a) onscreen34 for controlling machine M4. As yet one other example, whenWID30 is in zone Z4,controller105 may automatically alter assembly M4 operations to minimize the possibility of injury to the person located within zone Z4.
• In other embodiments, aftercontroller105 determinesWID30 location,controller105 may communicate with theWID30 via one of theHMI transceivers138 instead of via access points11. Thus, for instance, wherecontroller105 estimates that WID30 is directly in front ofHMI11,controller105 may transmit information toWID30 via thetransceiver138 that comprises part ofHMI11.
• In some cases, the location or position determining engine/software may be included in one of theHMI memories169 so that the linkedHMI processor171 can perform the location determining algorithm. For example, referring once again toFIG. 1, the position engine software may be stored in thememory169 associated withHMI130a.Here, WID signal strength data from each of HMIs12-18 would be obtained byHMI11 and used by theprocessor171 inHMI11 to determineWID30 location. AfterWID30 location is determined, that information may then be provided tocontroller105 which would in turn perform the related access, control or safety function.
• While the number of and distribution of receiver equipped HMIs within a typical automated facility will often be sufficient in most facility areas to accurately determine WID location, it has been recognized that, in at least some cases, there may be areas where the number of receives or the arrangement of those receivers will be insufficient for the purpose of accurately determining WID location. Where the number of receiver equipped interfaces is insufficient for accurately determining WID location, three options are contemplated by the present invention. First, referring once again toFIG. 1, simple receiver devices likereceivers35athrough35mmay be spaced apart within the facility in regions that do not include a sufficient number of receiver equipped HMIs. InFIG. 1, for instance, while most of the assemblies illustrated have associated HMIs, assemblies M6, M9 and M10 do not have associated HMIs. Assemblies M6, M9 and M10 are clustered within one area oflarger space13 and, as illustrated, no HMIs are provided within the general area. As illustrated, receivers35a-35mhave been located within the general area corresponding to assemblies M6, M9 and M10. The positioning of receivers35a-35mwould be chosen to facilitate accurate location determination.
• A second option that may be employed when the number or relative juxtaposition of receiver equipped HMIs is insufficient within an area to accurately determine WID location is to employ an existingcommunication access points11 to obtain additional signal strength information. While this option is possible, as explained above, this option is not typically optimal as, in many cases, additional programming of existing access points would have to be performed to facilitate this option. While reprogramming may not appear too burdensome at first blush, upon a more detailed analysis of the required reprogramming process, the burden can be seen as excessive where a company charged with the reprogramming process would have to support tens of if not hundreds of different types of reprogramming efforts due to a lack of specific industry standards regarding access point software. In this regard, where reprogramming is an option, it should be appreciated that the amount of data available for a WID location determination may be increased appreciably by reprogramming all facility communication access points.
• A third option for obtaining additional WID signal strength data in areas where an insufficient number of receiver equipped HMIs are present is to identify other assembly components within the areas that are ready to be linked to one of the network data buses and equip that component with a wireless receiver. To this end, referring toFIG. 5, an exemplary receiver equippedproximity sensor assembly210 is illustrated.Exemplary assembly210 includes a hardened plastic ormetallic housing structure212, asensor unit216 that extends fromhousing structure212, awireless receiver214 and acable217 that terminates at anetwork link218. Here,assembly210 would be installed in a normal fashion during an assembly building procedure. In addition,assembly210 would be linked to one of thenetwork data buses34a-34cin a normal fashion. Then during a commissioning procedure for determining WID location, the specific location ofreceiver214 would be identified and used to program the position engine software.
• Referring now toFIG. 6, anexemplary method160 according to the present invention is illustrated. The method begins atblock162 where assembly components to be linked to the system network are identified. Specifically, in at least some embodiments of the invention, the identified assembly components may be HMIs11-18. Atblock164, the identified assembly components or, at least a subset thereof, are equipped with wireless receivers as illustrated inFIGS. 3aand3b.Continuing, atblock165, the automated assemblies within a facility are constructed in the usual fashion. Here, in the present example, HMIs11-18 would be mounted to mounting surfaces (e.g.,154) and linked to thenetwork data buses34cin the usual fashion. Afterblock165, at block167 a commissioning procedure is performed to generate subsets of signal strength data associated with specific WID locations within the facility. Commissioning procedures for wireless type commissioning type engines are well known in the wireless communication art and therefore will not be described here in detail.
• Referring still toFIGS. 1 and 6, atblock166, during normal operation of the inventive system, when aWID30 is turned on insidespace13, theWID30 transmits signals of a known signal strength which are received by the transceivers138 (see againFIG. 3a) that comprise part of each of the HMIs11-18. Atblock159 each HMI determines the strength of the WID signal received and provides the strength data along with an indication of which HMI received the signal to the processor or controller that runs the position engine software. Thus, in some cases the strength and receiving HMI data will be provided tocontroller105 wherecontroller105 performs the position determining algorithm and, the other cases, the signal strength and receiving HMI data will be provided to one of the HMIs where the HMI performs the location determining process.
• Continuing, atblock168, the HMI processor orcontroller105 that performs the position determining process uses the received strength and receiving HMI information to estimate the WID location. In addition, where one of the HMI processors performed the location determining process, atblock168 that processor provides the WID location estimate tocontroller105. Atblock170,controller105 performs an access, a control or a safety function as a function of the WID location estimate.
• Referring now toFIG. 7, a sub-method180 which may be added tomethod160 ofFIG. 6 for dealing with situations wherein, after construction, the number and arrangement of receivers within specific facility areas is insufficient, is illustrated. Referring also toFIGS. 1 and 6, after assembly components to be linked to the network have been identified and at least a subset of those components have been equipped with wireless receivers and after the automated assemblies and communication network have been constructed, control passes fromblock165 inFIG. 6 to block183 inFIG. 7. Atblock183, a commissioning procedure for commissioning the position engine software is performed. Atblock185, after the commissioning procedure has been performed tests are performed withinfacility space13 to determine how accurately the position engine performs when aWID30 is located in different areas withinspace13. To this end, according to at least one process for determining whether or not accuracy is acceptable, aWID30 is moved aboutspace13 to known locations and the results of the position engine process are compared to the known locations. Where accuracy is acceptable throughoutspace13, control passes fromblock185 back to block166 inFIG. 6. However, where accuracy is not acceptable in some area withinspace13, control passes fromblock185 to block186.
• Atblock186, the regions where accuracy was not acceptable are identified as regions wherein additional receives are required. Atblock188 additional receivers are provide in the identified regions. Here, consistent with the comments above, the additional receivers may be provide by, either, providing separate and dedicated additional receivers, reprogramming at least some communication access points (e.g.,11 inFIG. 1) within the area to generate WID signal strength data or by equipping other automated assembly components that are within the region and that are already linked to the network data buses with receivers. Afterblock188, control passes back tocommissioning block183.
• Referring once again toFIG. 4, while an optimal mounting surface (e.g.,154) for an HMI may be provided via an automated assembly M1, in some cases, the optimal mountingsurface154 may not correspond to an optimal location for the receiver or antenna unit associated with the HMI. Thus, according to at least one additional aspect of the present invention, in some cases a separate antenna may be provided which can optionally be linked to an HMI via a flexible cable or the like such that the antenna can be optimally positioned. To this end, referring toFIG. 8, anexemplary HMI130awith anoptional antenna attachment190 is illustrated.HMI130ainFIG. 8 is identical to theHMI130adescribed above with respect toFIG. 3aexcept that the HMI inFIG. 8 does not include an embedded receiver and instead includes afemale receiver port202. Theantenna assembly190 includes a rigid plastic ormetallic housing member194, anantenna192 extending from the top ofhousing194, anassembly cable198, amale plug200 configured to be receivable withinfemale port202 and some type of attachment mechanism (e.g., screws196) for attachingassembly190 to some automated assembly component.
• Referring also toFIG. 9, afterHMI130ais secured to mountingsurface154, where receiver functionality is required,antenna assembly190 is mounted in an optimal location relativelyproximate HMI130aand is attached toport202 viacable198. The process of determining the magnitude of the signal received by theantenna assembly190 would, in at least some embodiments, be performed by the HMI processor171 (see againFIG. 3b).
• While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. For example, while the invention is described in the context of access points and receivers that transmit data packets including signal strength and indicators of the access points that received the WID signals, the invention is applicable in other systems such as systems with receive only access points where the WIDs transmit time stamped signals of known signal strength to the receivers and the times stamps are used to correlate measured signal strengths for positioning.
• Thus, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made:

Claims (70)

1. An apparatus for use in an automated environment including at least a first automated assembly including components that facilitate an automated process, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and a controller for controlling the assembly, the apparatus comprising:

a first component that is one of the plurality of components and that is linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the automated process, the first component including at least a first wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID; and

a processor receiving signals from the first receiver and running location determining software for determining the location of the at least one WID as a function of the signals received therefrom.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first component is a stationary human-machine interface (HMI) device.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein at least one of the automated assembly components includes a mounting surface accessible within the environment and proximate the automated assembly and wherein the HMI is mounted to the mounting surface.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the first receiver includes a wireless antenna.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the HMI includes the processor for determining location.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the location determining software causes the processor to perform a statistical analysis on the received signals to determine WID location.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first component is linked to the controller via a communication network and is also linked to the processor via the communication network.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the network is an Ethernet network.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the processor is part of the controller.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the location determining software causes the processor to perform a statistical analysis on the received signals to determine WID location.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first receiver is juxtaposed proximate the automated assembly and wherein the apparatus further includes at least a second receiver positioned at a second location relative to the automated assembly, the second receiver also providing received signals to the processor, the processor determining WID location as a function of the signals received from each of the first and second receivers.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein the environment includes at least a second automated assembly controlled by the controller and including a second plurality of components provided to facilitate an automated process, the apparatus further including at least a second component that is one of the second plurality of components and that is linked to the controller, the second component including the second receiver for receiving signals from the at least one WID and providing the received signals to the processor.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein each of the first and second components are human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and each is linked to the controller via a communication network.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 13 wherein the processor is embedded within the first HMI and wherein the second HMI is linked to the first HMI via the communication network.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 14 further including at least a third receiver positioned at a third location relative to the first and second automated assemblies for receiving signals from the at least one WID, the third receiver linked to the processor via the communication network, the processor receiving signals from the first, second and third receivers and using the received signal to determine WID location.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 14 further including a wireless data system, the data system including a plurality of access points, each access point including a receiver and a transmitter for receiving data from and transmitting data to the at least one WID, respectively.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein at least a sub-set of the access points generates location information and wherein the location information is provided to the processor via the communication network and used by the processor to determine WID location.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further including a wireless data system linked to the controller for transmitting data to and receiving data from the at least one WID.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 wherein the wireless data system includes data receivers that are separate from the first receiver.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19 wherein the data system includes access points, each access point including one of the data receivers and also including a data transmitter, information received by at least a sub-set of the data receivers provided to the processor, the processor using the information from the sub-set of data receivers and the first receiver to determine WID location.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 20 wherein the first component also includes a first transmitter for transmitting data to the at least one WID.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first component includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data.

23. A system comprising:

a controller for controlling an automated assembly;

at least one portable wireless information device (WID) that transmits wireless signals;

at least a first automated assembly including a plurality of components that together facilitate an automated process, the plurality of components including a first component linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the automated process, the first component including a wireless receiver for receiving signals from the at least one WID; and

a processor linked to the first component for obtaining signals from the receiver and running location determining software for determining the location of the at least one WID as a function of the received signals.

24. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the first component is a human-machine interface (HMI).

25. The system ofclaim 24 wherein at least one of the automated assembly components includes an accessible mounting surface and wherein the HMI is mounted to the mounting surface.

26. The system ofclaim 24 wherein the HMI includes the processor.

27. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the location determining software causes the processor to perform at least one of a statistical analysis and a triangulation method on the received signals to determine WID location.

28. The system ofclaim 24 wherein the first receiver is juxtaposed proximate the automated assembly, the system further including at least a second automated assembly controlled by the controller and including a second plurality of components provided to facilitate a second automated process, the second plurality of components including at least a second component linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the second assembly, the second component including a second receiver positioned proximate the second assembly, the second receiver providing received signals to the processor, the processor determining WID location as a function of signals received from each of the first and second receivers.

29. The system ofclaim 34 wherein each of the first and second components are human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

30. The system ofclaim 29 wherein the processor is embedded within the first component.

31. A location determining assembly for use in an automated environment including at least a first automated assembly including components that facilitate an automated process, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and a controller for controlling the assembly, the assembly comprising:

a first human-machine interface (HMI) associated with the first automated assembly and linked to the controller via a communication network for at least one of providing information thereto and receiving information therefrom, the HMI including a first wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID; and

a processor receiving signals from the receiver and running location determining software for determining the location of the at least one WID as a function of the signals received therefrom.

32. The assembly ofclaim 31 wherein the environment further includes at least a second automated assembly controlled by the controller and wherein the assembly further includes a second HMI associated with the second automated assembly and linked to the controller to at least one of provide information thereto and receive information therefrom, the second HMI including a second wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID, the processor receiving signals form each of the first and second receivers and determining WID location as a function of the received signals.

33. The assembly ofclaim 32 wherein the processor is embedded within the first HMI.

34. The assembly ofclaim 32 wherein the processor performs at least one of a statistical analysis and a triangulation method on the received signals to determine WID location.

35. The assembly ofclaim 31 wherein the processor provides WID location determination information to the controller and the controller uses the location information to perform a location dependent function.

36. The assembly ofclaim 35 wherein the location dependent function includes one of providing location dependent information to the at least one WID and modifying control of the automated assembly.

37. A system for use in an automated environment including at least first and second automated assemblies for performing first and second automated processes, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and a controller for controlling the assemblies, the system comprising:

a wireless data communication system linked to the controller and for transmitting data to and receiving data from the at least one WID;

a first human-machine interface (HMI) linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the first automated process and including a first receiver for receiving signals from the at least one WID, the first HMI positioned proximate the first automated assembly for at least one of providing information related thereto and receiving control instructions there for;

a second human-machine interface (HMI) linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the second automated process and including a second receiver for receiving signals from the at least one WID, the second HMI positioned proximate the second automated assembly for at least one of providing information related thereto and receiving control instructions there for; and

a processor receiving signals from the first and second receivers and running location determining software for determining the location of the at least one WID as a function of the signals received therefrom.

38. The system ofclaim 37 wherein the wireless communication system includes a plurality of access points.

39. The system ofclaim 37 wherein the processor is embedded in the first HMI.

40. A method for use in an automated environment including at least a first automated assembly, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and a controller for controlling the assembly, the assembly including a plurality of components provided to facilitate an automated assembly process, the plurality of components including a first component linked to the controller to facilitate an assembly sub-process, the method comprising the steps of:

equipping the first component with a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID;

receiving WID signals via the receiver; and

using the received signals to determine WID location.

41. The method ofclaim 40 wherein the first component is a human machine interface (HMI) and wherein the step of equipping includes embedding the receiver in the HMI.

42. The method ofclaim 41 wherein at least one of the automated assembly components includes a mounting surface accessible within the environment and proximate the automated assembly and wherein the method further includes the step of mounting the HMI to the mounting surface.

43. The method ofclaim 41 wherein the step of embedding includes integrating a wireless antenna with the HMI.

44. The method ofclaim 41 wherein the step of using the received signals includes providing a processor as part of the HMI and using the processor to determine WID location.

45. The method ofclaim 44 wherein the step of using the processor includes at least one of performing a statistical analysis and a triangulation method on the location information received from the receiver.

46. The method ofclaim 45 further including the step of receiving additional WID signals via other receivers, providing the other received signals to the processor and performing the statistical analysis on the received WID signals.

47. The method ofclaim 46 also for use with an existing communication system including communication access points and a network linked to the controller wherein the step of receiving additional WID signals includes receiving additional WID signals from the access points.

48. The method ofclaim 40 wherein the environment includes at least a second automated assembly controlled by the controller, the second assembly including a plurality of components provided to facilitate a second automated assembly process, the plurality of components including a second component linked to the controller to facilitate an assembly sub-process, the method further including equipping the second component with a second receiver for receiving WID signals, the step of receiving including receiving signals form each of the first and second receivers and the step of using the received signals to determine WID location including using the signals form each of the first and second receivers.

49. The method ofclaim 40 wherein the step of using includes performing at least one of a statistical analysis and a triangulation method on the received signals to determine WID location.

50. The method ofclaim 40 wherein the step of using includes providing a processor, linking the processor to the first component via a communication network, transmitting the receiver signals via the communication network to the processor and performing an algorithm via the processor to determine WID location.

51. The method ofclaim 50 further including the step of linking additional receivers to the processor, obtaining additional WID signals via the additional receivers and providing the additional WID signals to the processor via the communication network, the step of using further including using at least a sub-set of the signals received from each of the receivers to determine WID location.

52. The method ofclaim 40 wherein the step of equipping includes providing a port on the first component for receiving a linkage, providing an antenna, mounting the antenna and linking the antenna to the first component port via a linkage.

53. The method ofclaim 52 wherein the first component is a stationary human-machine interface (HMI) device.

54. A system for use in an automated environment including a plurality of automated assemblies, each assembly including components that facilitate automated processes and at least one portable wireless information device (WID), the system comprising:

at least a first processor;

a set of communication access points configured to receive signals from, and transmit signals to, the WID;

a set of wireless receivers, each wireless receiver integrated with a different component from a first sub-set of the assembly components and configured to receive signals from the WID; and

at least a first communication network linking at least a sub-set of the first sub-set component to the at least one processor and also linking each access point to the at least one processor, the at least one processor obtaining WID signals from each of the receivers and also at least one of transmitting signals to, and receiving signals from, each of the first sub-set assembly components, via the at least a first network.

55. The system ofclaim 54 wherein at least a sub-set of the first sub-set of the assembly components includes human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

56. The system ofclaim 54 wherein the at least one processor both transmits signals to and receives signals from at least a sub-set of the first sub-set of assembly components via the network.

57. The system ofclaim 54 wherein the at lest one processor uses the obtained WID signals to determine WID location.

58. The system ofclaim 57 wherein the processor also uses WID signals received from at least a sub-set of the communication access points to determine WID location.

59. The system ofclaim 54 wherein the at least one processor includes at least a first processor linked via the at least a first network to the access points and at least a second processor linked via the at least a first network to the first sub-set of assembly components and wherein the at least a first network links the first and second processors together.

60. The system ofclaim 59 wherein the first sub-set of assembly components includes a first component and wherein the second processor is integrated into the first component.

61. The system ofclaim 60 wherein at least the first component is a human-machine interface (HMI).

62. The system ofclaim 59 wherein the at least a first network includes at least a first network that links the communication access points to the first processor and at least a second network that links the first sub-set assembly components to the second processor.

63. The system ofclaim 54 wherein the at least a first processor is remotely located from the first sub-set assembly components.

64. A method for use in an automated environment including a plurality of automated assemblies, at least one portable wireless information device (WID) and at least one controller for controlling the assemblies, each assembly including a plurality of components provided to facilitate an automated assembly process, at least a first sub-set of the assembly components linked to the controller to at least one of provide signals thereto or receive signals therefrom, the method comprising the steps of:

equipping at least a sub-set of the first sub-set of assembly components with wireless receivers for receiving wireless signals from the at least one WID;

receiving WID signals via the receivers; and

using at least a sub-set of the received signals to determine WID location.

65. The method ofclaim 64 wherein at least a sub-set of the first sub-set includes human-machine interfaces and wherein the step of equipping includes embedding receivers in the assembly components.

66. A system for use in an automated environment including at least a first automated assembly including components that facilitate an automated process, the system comprising:

at least a first wireless information device (WID) including a transceiver and a first processor;

a first component that is one of the plurality of components that is linked to the controller to facilitate at least a sub-process associated with the automated process, the first component including at least a first wireless transmitter for transmitting wireless signals to the at least one WID;

at least one receiver; and

at least a second processor linked to the first component and to the at least one receiver, the at least a second processor running a program to determine WID position as a function of signal strength data generated by the transmitter and the WID;

wherein, the at least a first transmitter transmits signals of known signal strength to the WID, the WID determines signal strengths and transmits signal strength data to the at least one receiver and the at least a second processor obtains the signal strength data from the at least one receiver and uses the obtained data to determine WID position.

67. The system ofclaim 66 wherein the at least a first component includes a plurality of components, each of the plurality including a separate transmitter and, wherein, the WID receives signals from at least a sub-set of the transmitters, determines signal strength and transmits the signal strength data to the receiver.

68. The system ofclaim 66 wherein the at least one receiver is separate from the at least one component.

69. The system ofclaim 68 wherein the at least one receiver is a communication access point that is part of a wireless communication network.

70. The system ofclaim 66 wherein the at least one component is a human-machine interface.

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